Program Operations Specialist

As a Program Operations Specialist , you would manage, oversee, and supervise lower-level Program Operations Specialists and other staff engaged in the planning, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs and services for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Open to employees of: People W Dev Disab, Off for

On or before January 9, 2027, you must be a qualified employee of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and have had 45 days of permanent competitive, non-competitive NY HELPS*, or 55-b/55-c service as shown below. If you have received a permanent appointment to a qualifying title listed and served provisionally** in that title immediately preceding your permanent appointment, such provisional service may be counted towards meeting the time in title required for this examination.

Either A. Program Operations Specialist 3 or Program Operations Specialist 2;

Or B. Developmental Disabilities Program Specialist 1, Developmental Disabilities Program Specialist 1 (Spanish Language), Developmental Disabilities Program Specialist 2, Community Development Specialist 2, Contract Management Specialist 2, Developmental Disabilities Policy Development Specialist 2, Mental Hygiene Program Evaluation Specialist 3, Resources and Reimbursement Program Development Specialist 2, Standards Compliance Analyst 2, or Standards Compliance Analyst 2 (Developmental Disabilities).

Only the title or titles listed are qualifying.

If you were permanently appointed to a qualifying title on or before November 25, 2026, and have served continuously in this title since that date, you are eligible to file for this examination.

*If you were permanently appointed via the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) program to a qualifying title in the non-competitive class on or before November 25, 2026, and have served continuously in this title since that date, you may apply for this examination.

**If you were permanently appointed to a qualifying title and had provisional service in the same title immediately preceding the permanent appointment, such provisional service may be counted towards meeting the time in title required to apply for this examination. Your provisional appointment must have been on or before November 25, 2026, to qualify for this examination.

Qualifying Experience For Appointment From The Eligible List: After one year of qualifying experience as a Program Operations Specialist 3, or two years of qualifying experience in any other title listed, successful candidates will be qualified for appointment from the eligible list.

Employees appointed via the NY HELPS program to a qualifying title in the non-competitive class will have their names restricted from appointment from the eligible list until their position is covered-in to the competitive class by action of the New York State Civil Service Commission or otherwise obtain permanent competitive status in the position.

If you have received a permanent appointment to a qualifying title listed and served provisionally in that title immediately preceding your permanent appointment, such provisional service may be counted towards meeting the time in title required for appointment from the eligible list.

Eligibles who meet the “B” qualifications, and who are subsequently appointed to an “A” title, may request to have their name added to the “A” list, once they have completed the time in title year(s) of service in the “A” title. The request should be submitted in writing to the NYS Department of Civil Service, Albany, New York 12239; Attention: S1/DTD.

Order of Certification: The order of certification of this eligible list will be:

1. "A" eligibles 2. "All" eligibles

Additional Requirements for Appointment:
Background Investigation/Justice Center Review: In some agencies, the names of all prospective employees will : be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL), maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names rem

To be considered for appointment to this title, you must pass the multiple-choice test . The multiple-choice test evaluates your knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in the following areas:

Analyzing and evaluating information - These questions test for the ability to analyze, interpret, and draw reasonable conclusions from information presented in text, data, images or symbols. This may involve identifying a significant problem or issue; focusing on relevant data and text; identifying trends, relationships, and significant features; assessing relevant alternatives; suggesting or evaluating possible conclusions; and applying logical principles to information provided.

Preparing reports and official documents - These questions test for the ability to prepare reports and other official documents for use within and among governmental agencies, in legal or regulatory settings, or for dissemination to the public. Some questions test for a knowledge of grammar, usage, punctuation, and sentence structure. Others test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, to use the proper tone, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly.

Working and interacting with others - These questions test for knowledge of how to effectively approach work and maintain professional relationships with others in the workplace. Each question presents a situation and a number of possible approaches for handling it. Question topics may include working with supervisors and coworkers, interacting with members of the public, handling conflict, and managing workplace demands and priorities. The questions are not specific to any job title or place of work.

Administrative supervision - These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices involved in directing the activities of a large subordinate staff, including subordinate supervisors. Questions relate to the personal interactions between an upper level supervisor and their subordinate supervisors in the accomplishment of objectives. These questions cover such areas as assigning work to and coordinating the activities of several units, establishing and guiding staff development programs, evaluating the performance of subordinate supervisors, and maintaining relationships with other organizational sections.

Understanding and applying administrative principles - These questions test for knowledge of how to effectively manage and direct an organization or an organizational segment. These questions cover such areas as developing objectives, formulating policies, making decisions, forecasting and planning, developing personnel, organizing and coordinating work, communicating information, providing leadership, and delegating authority and responsibility.

Test Guide & Sample Test Material: A General Guide to Multiple-Choice Tests is available at http://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm . If Sample Test Material is available for a subject area described above, it can be found at http://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/sampletestmat.cfm .

If you pass, your seniority credit(s), if any, will be included in the computation of your final score. Your final score on the eligible list will be determined after adding any Veterans' credits.

Credit For Seniority: Seniority is credited at the rate of one credit for each five-year period (or fraction thereof), excluding the first year of service.

Admission To The Test: If approved for a multiple-choice test, you will receive an admission notice which will indicate your assigned test date and the way your test will be administered. Your test may be administered with paper and pencil or online at a state test site. You cannot request to change your scheduled day or request a specific type of test administration.

Applicants are required to have a Personal NY.gov account and keep their email address up to date . The Department of Civil Service and other state agencies will communicate with you through email correspondence